According to a rumour, Apple has eclipsed smartphone company Vivo to become China’s leading smartphone provider in October 2021. Apple’s sales increased 46% month on month, the most among all major OEMs in the nation, powered by the iPhone 13 series.
According to Counterpoint Research’s Monthly Market Pulse Service, Apple beat Vivo in October 2021 to become China’s leading smartphone OEM for the first time since December 2015. Apple’s sales increased 46% year on year, the most among all major OEMs in the country, thanks to the iPhone 13 series.
In comparison, China’s smartphone market increased by only 2% month on month in October. Apple’s remarkable performance came when many consumers were postponing purchases in anticipation of the November Singles’ Day deals. Other significant OEMs witnessed MoM sales reductions in October.
“Ever since Huawei’s decline, the top position in China has been changing hands. OPPO became number one in January 2021 while Vivo attained the top position in March 2021,” Tarun Pathak, Research Director, Counterpoint, said in a statement.
“The market dynamics changed again in October with Apple becoming the new one OEM for the first since December 2015,” Pathak added.
“Huawei has been resilient in the premium segment in China, but this seems to be changing now. With its strong brand equity, Apple is gaining the maximum from the gap left by Huawei in the premium segment,” Pathak said.
“Apple could have gained more if it were not for the shortages, especially for the Pro versions. But still, Apple is managing its supply chain better than other OEMs,” he added.
Since December 2015, Apple has not held the #1 rank in the Chinese smartphone market. This year, Apple also became the third smartphone company to take the top place in China. Vivo took the top place in March 2021, whereas Oppo took first place in January 2021.
According to Counterpoint, Apple’s top finish was powered by the popularity of the iPhone 13 series, which was also sold cheaper in China than the iPhone 12 series. Huawei’s hold on the Chinese market appears to be eroding, with Apple aiming to fill the premium void left by Huawei. According to the analysis, if not for supply restrictions, Apple may have encouraged additional expansion in the nation.
